News

An animal therapy volunteer from Brownhills will put on her running shoes this Saturday as the Queen’s Baton Relay makes its way through Rugeley. 

Penny Glibbery, who works for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games partner Severn Trent, was chosen as a baton bearer in recognition of her volunteering efforts outside of work as a Pets As Therapy (PAT) visitor and parkrun marshal.  

Penny and her adorable Norwegian Buhund, Indy, visit people of all ages in the local community, from care homes and schools, offering friendly faces for a chat and putting smiles on many faces.  

In addition to her work with PAT, Penny can also often be found volunteering as a marshal at her local parkrun in Chasewater – playing music and giving encouragement to those taking part.  

Penny, a Senior Business Analyst at Severn Trent, said: “It’s fantastic to be selected and I can’t believe how lucky I am – I’m so humbled by it all. I’m really looking forward to my stretch because it feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity with an event such as the Commonwealth Games coming to the Midlands. I hope to be cheered on by lots of friendly faces, family and colleagues. 

“The volunteering I do with Indy is so rewarding, not only does everyone love interacting with her, but you can see the real difference it makes to peoples days. That makes it all worthwhile for me.” 

As the Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Partner of Birmingham 2022, Severn Trent is delivering a series of initiatives to leave a social and environmental legacy following the Games.

The water company has planted 72 tennis-court-sized Tiny Forests this year across the West Midlands and has committed to creating 2,022 acres of Commonwealth Forest across the region to help offset the carbon generated by the Games.  

Severn Trent will also be operating water refill stations at every Games venue allowing spectators the opportunity to fill up their reusable water bottles for free, whilst also playing an important role in reducing waste and therefore reducing the impact on the environment.